BUSINESS

China Breaks Ground on Key Rail Tunnels in Central Asia

Published: May. 6, 2025 4:04 p.m. GMT+8

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Key construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan International Railway officially broke ground in Jalal-Abad Province, Kyrgyzstan on April 29. Photo: China Railway

China has broken ground on three tunnels that will form part of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway, marking the project’s entry into major construction after nearly three decades of planning.

The start of construction by China Railway International Co. Ltd. in late April — two months ahead of schedule — was a milestone for a project first proposed in 1996. The CKU railway, once completed, will provide a shorter, more direct route connecting western China to Central Asia, bypassing Russia and enabling an overland alternative for trade with Europe.

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China began major construction on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway, aiming to create the shortest land route from China to Central Asia and Europe, cutting transit time by 7-8 days and distance by about 900 km.
The CKU project, delayed for decades by finance and political issues, marks China’s push to develop alternative trade routes amid increased geopolitical risks and disruptions along Russia-based corridors.
Use of the Trans-Caspian corridor surged with 27,000 TEUs in 2024, up 25-fold year-on-year, despite ongoing logistical bottlenecks.

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Who’s Who

China Railway International Co. Ltd.: China Railway International Co. Ltd. is the company that began construction on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway in late April, two months ahead of schedule. This marks the project's entry into its major construction phase. The company plays a pivotal role in building cross-border rail infrastructure crucial for China’s logistics diversification and increased connectivity with Central Asia and Europe.

China State Railway Group Co. Ltd.: China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. is involved in developing China’s international rail logistics and trade routes. According to the article, a representative noted that strict Russian inspections have increased chokepoints for China-Europe rail freight. To address this, China is expanding sea-rail intermodal transport through Central Asia and establishing new trade corridors to Europe. The group is also focused on achieving global connectivity beyond Europe, including with the Americas and Africa.

China United International Rail Containers Co. Ltd.: China United International Rail Containers Co. Ltd. operates 13 domestic container hubs and is responsible for about two-thirds of China’s international rail freight traffic to Europe and Central Asia. The company plans to expand its international station network this year to further enhance cross-border rail logistics.

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